Choosing among ham radio transceivers means deciding what you will not compromise: purchase price, a particular station format, a stated working condition, or a display-and-band combination. The four radios are all marked used, yet their condition language and headline specifications set very different expectations. Start with the priority that matters most, then use the price spread and product notes to narrow the fit.
Quick take
The short answer: sort the shortlist by four priorities-price, station format, condition wording, and interface. That approach prevents the price bars from becoming an accidental performance ranking and keeps each radio tied to what it actually specifies. The least expensive and most expensive radios are both Kenwood models, while Yaesu and Icom sit between them on price.
Listed-price comparison
A $500.00 spread separates the lowest and highest listed prices. The bars show relative position within these four prices; they are not a performance ranking.
| Radio | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| Kenwood TS-520SE | USD 249.99 | |
| Kenwood TS-590S | USD 749.99 | |
| Yaesu FT-890 | USD 450.00 | |
| Icom IC-706 | USD 490.00 |
Decision matrix
- Lowest-price filter → Kenwood TS-520SE. Its position at the bottom of the price comparison answers a straightforward cost constraint.
- Named band and station format → Kenwood TS-590S. The stated configuration combines HF/50MHz, 100W, all-mode operation, a base-station format, and a microphone.
- Included accessory emphasis → Yaesu FT-890. The title names both a microphone and DC cable alongside its condition wording.
- Screen-led setup → Icom IC-706. An LCD screen is paired with the radio's HF/VHF designation.
Use this as a filter rather than a ranking. The price bars describe listed-price placement only, while the product notes explain the practical tradeoffs.
Kenwood TS-520SE HF Amateur HAM Radio Transceiver SSB & CW 10M - 160M Range
At USD 249.99, the Kenwood TS-520SE is the lowest-priced radio here, and its named HF brief includes SSB and CW across 10M-160M. That is the main reason to choose it if those modes and range align with your plans. The limitation is the condition language: it is marked used, was not fully tested, may need adjustments, and is sold as is. The gray finish and auto-scan feature are secondary details, not substitutes for operating certainty. Pick the TS-520SE when the low listed price and named HF range matter more than a confirmed working statement.
Kenwood TS-590S HF/50MHz Ham Radio Transceiver 100W All Mode Base Station w/ Mic
At USD 749.99, the Kenwood TS-590S is the highest-priced radio here. Its stated configuration specifies a 100W, all-mode base-station format and includes a microphone, making those the concrete reasons to choose it. The tradeoff is the $500.00 gap above the Kenwood TS-520SE, plus its used condition. HF/50MHz is also part of the configuration, so that band description belongs in the decision when it matches your setup. Choose the TS-590S for its explicit configuration, not simply because its price is higher.
Yaesu FT-890 HF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w Mic DC Cable Tested Working
At USD 450.00, the Yaesu FT-890 sits between the two Kenwood prices. Its main reason to choose is concrete: the title says "Tested Working" and names both a microphone and DC cable. The limitation is its used condition, plus a $200.01 gap above the Kenwood TS-520SE for shoppers focused on the lowest listed price. That makes the FT-890 a focused match for someone who prioritizes the stated working condition and included accessories. Choose it for those explicit details, while keeping its HF designation in view.
Icom IC-706 HF/VHF Amateur Ham Radio Transceiver w/ Mic
At USD 490.00, the Icom IC-706 offers a clear display-oriented route: its specification includes HF/VHF operation, an LCD screen, and a microphone. Those details give it a concrete reason to choose for a setup built around a screen and that band pairing. The tradeoff is its used condition and a $40.00 higher listed price than the Yaesu FT-890. Keep the decision centered on the screen and band pairing rather than assuming a power rating or broader coverage. Choose the IC-706 when an LCD is part of the brief.
Final recommendation by use case
- For the lowest-price route: choose the Kenwood TS-520SE if an as-is, not-fully-tested purchase is acceptable.
- For a defined base-station setup: choose the Kenwood TS-590S.
- For explicit working-status language: choose the Yaesu FT-890.
- For screen-led HF/VHF use: choose the Icom IC-706.
If the condition caveat on the TS-520SE is a deal-breaker, the FT-890 is the alternative to consider because its title explicitly says tested working. Otherwise, let the needed format-not the bar length-make the final call.
